Simply Glittery Birthday

Here's another sneak peek from the upcoming set "Happy Moments" from Stampin' Up!  You can earn this set for FREE!!!

It's a rather dreary day here...so I apologize in advance for the poor photo quality.


















I colored the flowers with SU's Regal Rose & So Saffron markers, added dazzling diamonds to the Rose cardstock, cake stand, and flower midddles.  IRL, when you move it in your hands, the sparkle is illuminated by the light around you...it's gorgeous!! :)  Go ahead & click on the pic for a glimpse of the glitter! :)

I'm also thrilled to say I created my own watermark with Stampin' Up's "My Digital Studio"!  Be kind...it's my first...and it's a learning process. ;-)  I should probably make it a little bigger.  I just don't want it to be obnoxious! lol

Stay tuned for more Sneak Peeks!!  Remember, the new publications start on January 5th! :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Happy Moments
Cardstock: Whisper White, Regal Rose
Ink: Regal Rose
Accessories: Regal Rose & So Saffron markers, 2way glue pen, Dazzling diamonds, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Thank You's...and a Peek! :)

Though I've been seriously feeling a lack of mojo, I knew I needed to get to my thank you cards before my next birthday! lol

I purchased a pkg. of embellishments after Christmas somewhere YEARS ago...12 of these babies for...get this... $0.24!!  Seriously.  Looking back, I shoulda snatched up more than ONE package!

I envisioned this simple card, and it came to fruition... However, it's still a little too simple to me.

Problem: There's a fine line between simple, and simple with a wrong touch added.  I decided not to risk it. ;-)  I dunno....maybe I'll cut it down for less white space at bottom....we'll see.

Since my birthday was the 21st...I thought, rather than make a bunch of C'mas and B'day thanks...I could make one that could work for both occasions!

Enter something NEW...2 stamps from one of the FREE stamp sets you can get during Sale-A-Bration! :)

The color you see is my Bermuda Bay marker, and on the white parts...it's all sparkly! :)  I added dazzling diamonds...ahhh...love it!  Click on the pic to view the bling! ;-)  I added a little "thank you" tag & distressed the bottom edge. You could also add a different sentiment from the set ("happy birthday" or "for you" perhaps?) ;-)

Did you like my sneak peek?  Stay tuned for more! :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!):
Stamps: Happy Moments (upcoming SAB)
Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White
Ink: Stazon Black
Accessories: Bermuda Bay marker, 2way glue pen, Dazzling diamonds glitter, Dimensionals
Other: Christmas Tree embellishments (non SU)

Thank you for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Drumroll please.....

Shall I tell you a bit, day by day...or overload you on all the info?!

Okay...the excited part of me won. lol

I can't show you the publications just yet,
but I can tell you about what's inside!! :)

I'm drooling, I tell ya...drooling!

1. Sale-A-Bration:

Runs from Jan 5 - Mar 31

 SIX free products to choose from, including:

4 super stamp sets,

 Designer Series Paper pad (72 pgs)

Brand new punch -- with new, better than ever design!!

Oh, and that's not all!!  On the last page....

bah...I've gotta make you wait for SOMETHING!! ;-)

2. Definitely Decorative:

A new 12 pg. insert to the already great selection!!

(yes, new products in here, too!)

3. Occasions Mini catalog:

 Runs from Jan 5 - April 30

43 pages!!

SEVEN brand new punches...new style!

AWESOME Designer Series Papers....

A new stamp set for the Sweet Treat cups...

oh goodness...soooo much more!

AND....last but not least....

Over the past few years, there has been enormous demand from demonstrators and customers alike for a line of repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps. Well, you asked for it, and now you have it! Starting with stamps in the 2010 Occasions Mini Catalog and the 2010 Sale-A-Bration Brochure, Stampin' Up! now offers our exclusive stamp art in both traditional wood-mount, and the new clear-mount option.

Our new clear-mount rubber stamps are the result of extensive research with the intent to maintain the very best image quality in the stamping industry, while at the same time offering the ease-of-use and storability inherent in repositionable clear-mount rubber stamps.

Clear-Mount Rubber Stamp Features :
*Nine different sizes of clear blocks available individually or as a discounted bundle.
*Blocks have ergonomic grooves on all four sides for easy grip and traditional wood-mount feel.
*Stamps and blocks are durable and easy to clean with your Stampin' Scrub and Stampin' Mist.
*Optional image labels on stamp backs let you decide if you want to see the image through the block or not.
*Tight die-cutting for easy image positioning.
*Large clear blocks can be used to create collages or spell words with alphabet sets.
*Stamps store easily in standard, DVD-type cases with artwork on front and spine, making organization easy.

Okay, did that not blow your socks off?! 
A LOT of awesomeness there...starting SOON!!!!
Why wait?  Book your party with me and let's get earning you some free stuff! :)

Stay tuned for some Sneak Peek projects...
Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Stay Tuned....

I've got some fun announcements, new products, and Sneak Peeks from Stampin' Up coming your way VERY soon! :0)

First....I will tell you that our Annual "Sale-A-Bration" is starting soon -- book your workshop with me now to take advantage of the BEST time to host a party!!!  Can you say more freebies than normal?! ;-)

Sale-A-Bration:  January 5 - March 31st, 2010

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!
We'll see you soon! :)
Crystal

Merry Christmas!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you, one and all!

May this day be a blessing to each and every one of you...may you be a blessing to others, and may you embrace the gift we've been given! 

Thank you to each of you for the gift of your presence here! :)
Here's a little gift for you...hope this works! :)

ETA: click on link below, and wait until it tells you to "click to play".

http://www.dayspring.com/ecards/subcat.asp?CategoryID=1&SubCategoryID=27&CardID=401677&Widescreen=False\

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

IIIIIIT'S CHRRRRISTMASTIIIIME!!

My parents have this silly singing wreath mom hangs every year, and before it sings, it shouts that out. It's just not Christmas without that thing that has surprised more than one of us at one point or another.   Even though we may roll our eyes at it. ;-)

Sorry for the blogging hiatus.  It's been suuuuper busy around here the last week or so.  Partly because it was my birthday.  Yaay, I love birthdays! :)  The other reason was events, projects, and preparations for Christmas took much of my time. :)

Soooo...here's something I forgot about sharing, even though people asked me about it!  Mmmmmm....yum! 

One evening, my 5yr old daughter and I dipped & sprinkled countless pretzel rods (big ones) and strawberry marshmallows (she wanted to use the "pink" ones).  Now that my daughters are a little older, I feel like they should help me when they can, especially when the gift is from them.  Granted, it's not always the....ahem....EASY route. ;-)  But, it teaches them responsibility, and giving of themselves.  Oh, and it teaches me patience. ;-)

Wanna see the next step?  OK.

That was my late-night project..((sigh))
Oh, you want to see how I packaged them?  OK.

Four packages for Sunday School Teachers....and actually...we made some for her bus driver, but I totally spaced when the last day of school came!  I remembered as she was boarding the bus...but I didn't think anyone on the bus would think kindly of me saying "Wait!  Let me run back to my house, package something up, and bring it back!"  Nope.  Maybe I'll remember next year. ;-)

Well, that's all for now.  If you made it all the way to the end of this post....BRAVO!!!  And thank you. :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up except "other")
Stamps: Christmas Punch, Serene Snowflakes
Ink: Real Red
Cardstock: Very Vanilla
Accessories: Scallop oval, Oval, 1/16" and 1/8" circle punches, Med. & small cello bags
Other: Pretzel rods, Marshmallows, Cappucino packets, Red curling ribbon, White lunch bags, Wilton candy melts

Thanks so much for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Final Post

Well, it's the last day of my series on handmade gift ideas.
Thank you to all who have been stopping by! :)  It makes my day to see the hits and read the comments, and I sincerely hope you've gleaned something from what I've shared here! :)

I really wanted to include this idea, because it points us back to the beginning.  Back to where it all started, and WHY we celebrate Christmas. Read on. :)

Day 12
A Christmas M&M Love Story

What's that?  You can't read what it says?  You wonder what M&M's has to do with Christmas, other than the pretty colors?
Well, I'd be honored to share that with you.

Christmas M&Ms

As you hold these candies
In your hand,
And turn them,
You will see.

The M becomes a W,
An E, and then a 3.

They tell the Christmas story,
It's one I'm sure you know.
It took place in a stable.
A long, long, time ago.

The E is for the East,
Where the star shone so bright.

The M is for the Manger,
Where Baby Jesus slept that night.

The 3 is for the Wise men,
Bearing gifts, they say they came.

W is for Worship,
Hallelujah, Praise His Name.

So as you eat these candies,
Or share them with a friend.
Remember the meaning of Christmas,
It's a Love story that never ends.

I will be back to continue my normal (non-series) posting, but wanted to take the time now to say:

May you all have a blessed Christmas...and remember the REAL Reason for the Season!

Thank you for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part XI

Hubby just took the kids shopping for my B'day/C'mas gifts.
Ahhhhh....silence.  Goodness, I love my kids dearly.
But a little time alone is just....well....treasured. ;-)
It's been a super-crazy-busy week, and I'm grateful for the break.

Here's the next idea for you...
Day 11
Homemade Bath Salts

I apologize for the pic...it distorted the color of the tissue on top...just a fraction.  IRL, it looks more white! lol

ANYWAYS....
I've been wanting to try out the idea of homemade bath salts for some time now.  So....today I finally did (sans kiddos standing right at my elbow, asking me what I'm doing). ;0)

I wish I could give you a recipe, but as my mom would say (and things turn out fantastic), "I just kind of threw it together!" 

Ingredients:
Epsom Salts, Sweet Almond Essential Oil, Peppermint extract, Red food coloring

I've researched...and there are many different recipes out there. Some say add a drop or two of glycerin.  Some say to add baking soda, and yet others: oatmeal! :)

Almond oil is supposed to be one of the best oils out there...however, I wish I had known that it doesn't smell "almondy". ;0)

The only scents I had were rum, almond, butter, and mint - ha ha ha!!  The almond was waaaay too "almondy", and I didn't think rum or butter would be quite what somone would want to smell like after a luxurious bath, so I chose Mint. ;-)

I added some red food coloring (which I read is A-ok).....
Think of all the possibilities!!!  There are more essential oils that you could try....Lavender, Grapefruit, etc...add color or leave it white....

EDITED TO ADD:  Forgot to mention!!  I *knew* I was keeping all those baby food jars for a reason! lol!  (the size used here is the smaller size - 1st foods?)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!):
In addition to "recipe" items listed above
Stamps: Christmas Punch
Cardstock: Whisper White
Ink: Riding Hood Red (retired)
Accessories: Riding Hood Red taffeta ribbon (retired), Scallop oval punch

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part X

Well, here we are at Day 10 already.
I can't believe I'm almost finished with this series!

I've made more stuff, and I've got more ideas brewing...
Now, I'm just trying to decide WHICH ones to show my last three days in the series!

Ahhh, the dilemna.  It's a good dilemna, let me tell you! lol.

Day 10
Decorated Candle

I made a BUNCH of these one year...and only have one left! :)
It smells really yummy...and what I love is that you really could give a gift like this, year round.  Just change the DSP, embellishments, and image accordingly! :)

1. Purchase candle at $ store
2. Cover with strip of DSP (retired SU one - "Dashing")
3. Decorate as desired
4. Give to a lucky recipient! :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up)
Stamps: Merry & Bright (retired)
Ink: Basic Black
Paper: Real Red, Very Vanilla, Dashing DSP
Accessories: Red gingham ribbon, Scallop & circle punches, SU markers, dimensionals, sticky strip
Other: $ candle

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part IX

Hello again...it's Day 9 of my handmade gift series.
I can go three more to make it an even dozen, right?  We'll see. ;-)

This is a sweet and sparkly gift that can keep on giving!
That is...if your recipient has a Christmas Tree. :)

Day 9
Reinker Ornament

There really are soooo many possibilities with this. 

It's as simple as a clear ornament.
Stampin' Up reinker (Perfect Plum on LH one, Almost Amethyst on RH one)
...and SU's Dazzling Diamonds GLITTER! :)

Change colors (SU has 54 to choose from!), change up your bows/cording, add a rub-on, oh the possibilities are endless! :)

EDITED TO ADD:  Hoping to do a tutorial soon, as requested.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part VIII

Wow, seriously...is it FRIDAY already?  Yikes.  This week has been crazy busy, even though there's really not much posted on the calendar! lol  Anyone else ever have weeks like that? ;-)

Here's a neat 'lil gift idea for you...
I've actually given a set of these as gifts, a few times!

Day 8
Tres Chic Tile Coaster

So, you could make four of these coasters and wrap with a bow - that's a great gift!  Or, you could choose to add a little more, like I did here:

Coffee-time Gift

I added a couple of black mugs, black plate (for cookies, of course!), and a bit o' Starbucks coffee! :)

Well, what do you think?

The Small Print
Stamps: Tres Chic BG - Stampin' Up
Ink: Stazon Black - Stampin' Up
Other: Tumbled Tile, Clear spray paint

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day!
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part VII

Hello, and welcome to Day 7 of my handmade gift ideas! :)
I've got another gift card holder for you today...after that, I'll change avenues again. :)

Day 7
Simple Unisex Gift Card Holder













Okay seriously, this one is SUUUUPER simple, AND you can get four out of one sheet of cardstock!

This was the Make & Take at a recent workshop...the hostess loves this Designer Paper (To The Nines) -- and so do I! :)

Again, I gave options...so here's a photo of a birthday example! :)  Look closely and you'll see some bling on the frosting! :)













Want an inside view of this suuuper-easy holder?  OK! :)
IT's super-easy too!













How 'bout the how-to?  OK! :)

Instructions
4.25" x 5.5" pc. cardstock (chocolate chip)
2.5" x 4" pc. designer paper (To The Nines DSP)
-Score cardstock base in half (@2 3/4")
-Attach DSP to front, then decorate as desired
-Inside: to hold your gift card in place, cut a pc. off the roll of glue dots that includes 2 dots...leave the strip of paper on until you want to add your gift card.  When that time comes, just peel off the strip and attach gift card to glue dots - VOILA! :)

Stop by tomorrow for another idea - that is NOT a gift card holder. ;-)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!)
In addition to everything else noted above...
Stamps: Serene Snowflakes, Delightful Decorations, Bitty Birthday
Cardstock: Whisper White, Sage Shadow
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Sage Shadow
Accessories: Scallop & circle punches, Dazzling diamonds, 2way glue pen, Dimensionals, Glue dots

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Stampin' Up Discontinued Items

News from Stampin' Up is that the following stamp sets (currently on Dormant List) will be discontinued on January 4, 2010.

Contact me if you'd like to place an order before they disappear!

Item #            Stamp Set

113407           Back Woods

114492           Beautiful Baby

114486           Birthday Wish

113200           Branch Out

114496           Celebrations

113732           Central Park

113206           Classic Sketches

113226           Classy & Fabulous

114498           Flowers in Silhouette

113405           Font of You

113216           For the Bride

114494           Forever

109425           Friend by Definition

114488           Fun Flowers

113716           Garden Greetings

114490           Glad Friends

111580           Grand Soiree

113242           Hit the Road

113710           Lexicon of Leaves

113236           Man's Best Friend

114423           Ocean Commotion

113728           Playful Petals

109276           Polka Dot

111544           Putt Putt

113240           Quilt Quips

113754           Really Retro

113403           Sip by Sip

113726           Sweet Stems

113250           That's Funny

113688           Wonderful Watercolors

114028           Para la novia

114032           Acuarelas Maravillosas


Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part VI

Are ya still with me? ;0)
Six days of gift ideas for you...dare I go six more? lol

Today's project is another gift card holder, since it's a pretty popular gift nowadays.

Day 6

Unisex Gift Card Holder

This was one of the FREE make & takes at my recent Annual Open House at the end of October.

To be honest...it seems a little blah. Boring. Makes me feel the need to explain myself. ;0)

I chose the colors I did to make it work for either gender, for any occasion.  They had the stamp options available to make it what they wanted.  Male, Female, Christmas, Birthday...you name it! :)  It IS double-sided DSP...and there are some GREAT designs in the pack with more, ahem...color.  Go ahead, go take a look in the catalog...it's called Thoroughly Modern, and it's one of my faves. :)

Would you like to see the inside?  Of course!! :)

Instructions:
4 1/4" x 7" cardstock (Soft Suede)

4 1/8" x 2 1/4" pc. designer paper (Thoroughly Modern)

4 1/8" x 1 1/4" pc. designer paper (Thoroughly Modern)

-Score the cardstock on the long side at 2.5 and 5.5"
-Fold bottom flap upward.
-Adhere DSP to topside and bottom flap.
-Stamp desired decor/greeting & attach.
-Attach bottom flap to card base at upper corners with gold brads.

That's about it!
Well....you may want to slip a gift card in the newly formed pocket, or your recipient might be a smidgen confused. ;-)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!)
In addition to the abovementioned products...
Brushed Gold & Very Vanilla cardstock, Soft Suede ink, Scallop and circle punches.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)

Crystal

Christmas Gift Ideas, Part V

DOUBLE POST TODAY
Scroll down to see my other post from today...thanks! :)

Here's a suuuuuper-easy gift idea for ya!
Gift cards are becoming more & more popular, it seems.
Here's a simple way to dress it up:

Day 5
Easy Gift Card Holder

















I'll be the first to say I'm not thrilled with how this particular one turned out, but that's okay, right?  Just focus on the idea of it. lol

Here's all you need to do:
6×4" pc patterned paper
Score it on the long side at 1.5" & 4.25"
Apply sticky strip on bottom center, and all down one side flap.
Punch a circle for notch in the top.
Decorate as desired!

See how easy?  It could totally work for birthdays, too!  Just change up the DSP! :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: Snow Swirled (red snowflake), Delightful Decorations from Holiday mini (sentiment)
Paper: Very Vanilla, Old Olive, Real Red, Merry Moments DSP
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red
Accessories: Scallop & circle punches, Sticky strip, Dimensionals

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Whistle A Merry Old Song....

You know, I caught myself whistling a merry tune the other day.  While putting groceries into the van, nonetheless!  Seriously...I couldn't believe it.  Whistling while getting groceries? lol Oh, and it's not like I was there by myself (like in this post), either. ;-)

It wasn't a Christmas tune, in fact I don't remember if it was a specific song, just whistling.  It's amazing how whistling can boost your spirits.  Have you tried it?  You should. :)

Well, that whistling reminded me of someone, and I'd like to remember him for a bit.  My dear, sweet Grandpa S., who would've been 80 today.  I can't believe it's been almost 6 years since he went home to his Heavenly Father.  Writing of him now even brings tears to my eyes...he was a wonderful guy, and I miss him so much.

Sometimes it's hard not to think about the "if onlys" in life, KWIM?  Like...if only he could've met my kids.  He would've loved them so much...and oh, how they would've adored him!  (I was pregnant with my first - a month from my due date when we lost him).

I won't dwell on the "if onlys" too long.  Instead, I will reflect on the wonderful memories, and him as a person.  I'm looking forward to doing so today...to the smiles those memories will bring. :)  I just wanted to take a moment to remember.
 
Happy Birthday Grandpa, I miss you sooo much!  I thank God for the gift of your whistling...a nice remembrance, and the cheer it brings to a day now & then! :)

I'll be back later today to post another installment on my Handmade Gift Idea series. Until then...

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part IV

Well, here we are again!

Have you ever taken part in something...then wondered if it was really worth it?  That's how I'm feeling about this series on handmade gift ideas...hoping there's someone out there enjoying it.  If there is, it's worth it! :)

This is a suuuuuuper-easy 'lil gift for someone...
And it's NOT chocolate. ;-)












Yes, it's still food....and I promise that tomorrow's project will not be something you can eat.  In fact, if you do....you'll probably get sick. ;-)

Steps:
1. Buy candy sticks
2. Cut felt into scalloped circle using Big Shot & scallop circle die
3. Wrap around candy sticks and tie with ribbon
4. Decorate by adding tag...

DONE! :)
See?!  Super-easy! :)

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part III

Okay, yes, this is chocolate.  Kind of.  Mostly mint. ;-)

This was actually made last year, but I haven't had a chance to give it a makeover, and really, I love it the way it is, so why change something good, right?! lol  :)

Day 3
Peppermint Patty Sandwiches (in matching box)

I just love the brilliance of the blue on white, with a touch of silver. :)  If you click on it, you'll notice dazzling sparkle on each of the ends & middle of the snowflakes.  IRL, it looks so sparkly and beautiful!

Basically, each of the four patties is sandwiched between scallop punches, and decorated.

You could easily change this to red & white or...whatever you'd like! :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!)
Creative idea from: Andrea Walford
Stamps: Season of Joy, Best Yet
Cardstock: Pacific Point ('08 IC), Whisper White, Brushed Silver, Window sheet (box)
Ink: Pacific Point (retired - '08 IC)
Accessories: Scallop & circle punches, Dimensionals, Tombo 2way glue, Dazzling diamonds, Paper piercer, Pacific Point ribbon (retired)
Other: York Peppermint Patties

That's all for today...thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal

Christmas Treats, Part II

Happy December!!!!  I'm excited for this wonderful month. A busy, but wonderful month.  :)

Here's another easy idea for you...using...yes, chocolate.
Can you tell where my loyalties lie? lol ;0)
I promise not every gift idea will be something chocolate. ;0)

Day 2
Hershey Candy Bar Pull

















This is another one of those treats I redo every year, to update to current SU products. ;-)

Wanna see last year's?  OK.
Here's last year's, with the bar pulled out to see. :)

















Yup, it's the same tag. :)
Let me know if you'd like to see a tutorial on this someday.  :)

The Small Print (All Stampin' Up!)
Stamps: A Cardinal Christmas, All Holidays
Paper: Merry Moments DSP ('09), Holiday Treasures ('08)
Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White ('09), Riding Hood Red, Whisper White ('08)
Ink: Old Olive, Real Red
Accessories: Large & small tag punches, Taffeta ribbon (Old Olive '09, Riding Hood Red '08), Hole punch, Sticky strip, Crimper
Other: Hershey's Candy Bar

Thanks for stopping by, and have a GREAT day! :)
Crystal